High-Gain Antenna (HGA)

Definition - What does High-Gain Antenna (HGA) mean?

A high-gain antenna (HGA) is an antenna with a narrow radio beam that is used to increase signal strength. High-gain antennas provide a more precise way of targeting radio signals and are therefore very essential to long-range wireless networks. They even amplify weak signals used in satellite communication.

Techopedia explains High-Gain Antenna (HGA)

High-gain antennas are focused antennas with narrow radio beams, allowing for precise targeting of radio signals. This antenna is used in space missions as well as in flat, open areas where the geography won'tdisrupt radio waves.

High-gain antennas transmit more power to the receiver, increasing the strength of the signal it receives. As a result of their reciprocity, high-gain antennas can also make transmitted signals 100 times stronger by capturing more energy when used in receiving antenna. As a result of their directivity, directional antennas send fewer signals from a direction other than the main beam. This property reduces interference.

High-gain antennas can also be produced from parabolic antennas, phased arrays and yagi antennas. Antenna gains are defined with respect to hypothetical antennas that radiate equally in all directions – the isotropic radiator. This gain can be measured in decibels (dBi) or, in certain cases, decibels compared to the maximum intensity of the direction of half-wave dipoles (dBd).